Death Notice: Stephanie Margaret Koffler, 78, Hood River

Stephanie Margaret Koffler passed away on December 3, 2025, at Hood River Post Acute in Hood River, Oregon. Stephanie was born May 24, 1947, and was 78 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Alan Bernard Burnham, 97, Hood River

Alan Bernard Burnham passed away on December 2, 2025, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon. Alan was born May 6, 1928, and was 97 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Ernesto 'Nesto' Torres, 46, Hood River

Ernesto 'Nesto' Torres entered this world on July 16, 1979 and passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 15, 2025 at the age of 46.

Nesto spent his early years in Hood River, Oregon where he played football, was an avid chess player and played music in a local band. He lived in Oregon's high desert for most of his adult life where he enjoyed fishing, watching football, motor sports, gaming and spending time with his family and kids. He will be remembered for his easy going nature, loving kindness and great smile. Nesto was the eldest of three children born to Herminio Torres and Elida Lozano de Torres. He is survived by two children, Ellie and Izzac who were his greatest joy, a grandchild, Nebula, two sisters, Luz Elena Torres de Vasquez and Stella Irma Torres, his parents Herminio Torres and Elida Lozano de Torres and his beloved dog, Brutus. Rest in peace Nesto, you will be very missed. 'Fly Eagles Fly'. 

Death Notice: Lillian Clare Auld, 93, Hood River

Lillian Clare Auld passed away on November 17, 2025, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Lillian was born on October 9, 1932, and was 93 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Bets Stover, 76, Hood River

Bets Stover passed away on November 20th, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon. She was born on March 2nd, 1949, and was 76 years of age at the time of her passing.

A private committal service at Great River Natural Burial has taken place. A gathering to mourn Bets’s passing and celebrate her life is pending and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center,
1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Jon Johnston, 53, Hood River

Jon Johnston passed away on October 24th, 2025, at Gracelen Terrace in Portland, Oregon. Jon was born on December 15th, 1971, and was 53 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: William “Bill” Sheppard, Jr., 97, Hood River

Lifetime Hood River Valley resident, William “Bill” Sheppard, Jr. passed away on October 1, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon.

Bill was born on March 30, 1928, to William Orville Sheppard, Sr., and Ruth Jane (Jordan). Bill was blessed to have three sisters, Jane, the older sister, and Sue and Sally, younger twin sisters. Bill and his sisters all grew up in Hood River and attended Hood River High School.

Bill graduated from Hood River High School in 1946, where he played football, basketball, and ran track. He went on to attend Oregon State University and became a lifelong Beaver fan and supporter. During his time at Oregon State, Bill became a member of the ROTC program. This was his pathway into the United States Air Force. Bill proudly served his country during the Korean conflict.

When Bill was a senior in high school, he met Virginia Ford Wilson, a Parkdale high school student, at the local Strawberry Festival. In 1950, Bill and Virginia were married. On September 2, 2025, they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary with their children. Their 75 years of marriage were wonderful years. They traveled the world to enjoy the many incredible sights in Australia, England, Switzerland, Spain, and many places in Canada and the United States. Bill and Virginia loved road trips. Even a long road trip to Alaska! Each visit created many stories and experiences. In the 70’s, Bill and Virginia made a second home in Palm Springs. They loved spending their winters in the warmer climate. They became “snowbirds” for many years.

After Bill’s time in the service, he worked for his dad, W.O. Sheppard, and his Uncle, C.M. Sheppard. Bill continued to run the implement business for many years until his oldest son, Craig, was able to take part of the reins of the business. A bonus for Bill was when his grandson Ben joined the team.

Bill was very active in community organizations. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and served on the boards of the Pine Grove Fire Department, Hood River Memorial Hospital, and Idlewild Cemetery. Bill joined the Hood River Rotary Club in 1957 and was still a member at his death. Bill was a member of Hood River Valley Christian Church.

Bill joined the Crag Rats in 1946 and was very active as a mountain climber and rescuer. He successfully reached the summit of all the major mountains in the Cascade Range at least twice. A great joy for Bill was knowing that Virginia and all of his children had reached the summit of Mount Hood. A grandson was also able to make the climb with his grandfather. He would and could tell mountain climbing stories about every expedition. Every trip in his journal ended with: “It was a good day”. Hiking and camping were activities that Bill and his family enjoyed.

Bill loved his family. He loved to play cards of any kind. He loved to play with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The cribbage board was always on the kitchen table, where Bill and Virginia had at least one daily game. A lot of teasing and laughter happened around the card table.

Bill is survived by his wife, Virginia. Two sisters, Sue and Sally. His four children, Craig Sheppard (Jean), Keith Sheppard (Greta), Debbie Sheppard McCann (Kevin), and Dodie Sheppard Sims (James). 13 grandchildren, Ben Sheppard (Rachel), Merridy Bickford Stehlik (John), Brian McCann (Sage), Carra Sheppard Cadman (Brian) Chris McCann (Dana), Amy Bickford Burtner (Adrian) Corey McCann Sims (Scott) Audrey Sheppard Forrest (Jeremy) Emily Bickford Struthers (Jeff), Mark Sheppard (Amy), Michael LaMaita (Karli), Chris LaMaita (Kayla), and Drew LaMaita (Dara). Bill had 26 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. As Bill always said, there are many generations of Sheppards to come.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Hood River Valley (975 Indian Creek Road, Hood River, OR 97031).  Columbarium Urn Placement at Idlewilde Cemetery will follow at a later date.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Jerry Dean Berry, 69, Hood River

Jerry Dean Berry passed away on October 5, 2025, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 69.

Jerry was born in Hood River, Oregon, to Elvin Berry and Bertha (McQuillan) Berry on April 1, 1956. He spent most of his life in Hood River, where he made his home and built lasting relationships with family and friends. Jerry worked for Duckwall as a forklift driver and took great pride in his work.

A true outdoorsman, Jerry loved to fish and could often be found by the water with a fishing pole in hand. Beyond his hobbies, Jerry was a devoted believer and follower of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He was an active participant in local AA programs, always willing to help others through their journeys of recovery and faith.

Jerry is survived by his twin daughters, Jessica Berry and Melissa Spurlock, and her husband, Rick Spurlock, all of Harrison, Arkansas. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren, all living in Harrison, Arkansas. He is also survived by his late wife’s three daughters and several grandchildren, all residing in Oregon.

Jerry’s surviving siblings include Mike Berry and his wife Nancy Berry of Wichita, Kansas, and Diane Cochran and her husband Don Cochran of Hood River, Oregon. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Berry.

Jerry Berry was a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and a generous heart. He walks with God and dances with salmon.

Services to honor and celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, as follows:

A time for viewing and a special video tribute will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Anderson's Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon).
A Graveside Committal Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery (1235 Tucker Road, Hood River, Oregon).

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: Maude Virginia Brown “Ginger”, 89, Hood River

Maude Virginia Brown “Ginger” passed away on October 9, 2025, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Maude was born on August 29, 1936, and was 89 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Service Announcement: William “Bill” Sheppard, Jr., 97, Hood River

William “Bill” Sheppard, Jr. passed away October 1, 2025 in Hood River, Oregon. Bill was born March 30, 1928 and was 97 years of age at the time of passing.
Services are planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Hood River Valley Christian Church at 975 Indian Creek Drive, Hood River, OR 97031. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. 

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Norma Springston, 89, Hood River

Norma Springston passed away on September 16, 2025, at Hood River Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. Norma was born April 30, 193,6 and was 89 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Mary Jane Roddy, 85, Hood River

Mary Jane Roddy passed away on September 6th, 2025, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon. Mary was born September 24, 1939, and was 85 years of age at the time of passing. 

Thursday, September 11th, 2025, a Graveside Committal Service at Willamette National Cemetery, where Mary Jane was laid to rest beside her husband, Phillip Roddy, Jr., and a time to celebrate her life will be later in the month at Parkhurst Place of Hood River.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Doris Lewis, 97, Hood River

The family of Doris Lewis announces her passing into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Doris passed at 8:35 pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at My Place to Call Home in Hood River, age 97 years, following a lengthy and difficult degenerative illness.

Doris Jane Meyers was born at home on July 19, 1928, in Hood River to Elmer Ray and Alma Minnie (Kitchel) Meyers, the youngest of their three children. Doris has made this beloved community her home for most of her life, graduating from Hood River High School in 1946. After graduation, she moved to Portland with three high school girl friends to attend Northwest Business College, then worked for Meir & Frank Department Store in their Accounting Department until 1952, at which time she returned to Hood River, where she applied for the job of receptionist for the Hood River Medical Group. It was here that Doris met the love of her life; she and Dr. Herbert D. 'Herb' Lewis were married on August 10, 1968, at Hood River Valley Christian Church. Following their honeymoon in Victoria, Canada, they made their home in Manzanita, Oregon. They returned to Hood River in 1985 following Herb's retirement, and responding to the need of Doris's recently widowed mother. Doris continued to live in the same home she shared with Herb following his passing on December 24, 1989, until March 2024, when she moved into A Place to Call Home.

Doris was a people person who made the people she loved her first priority, and she loved many friends as well as family. Those of us still living can remember the first home she and Herb shared, while waiting for their house to be built in the forested hills of Manzanita, a house high on a hill which was blessed with a bird's eye view of the ocean and perfect for whale watching. But before they moved into this lovely retreat, they lived in a small apartment on Cannon Beach in Manzanita. To this nest, they welcomed a steady stream of friends and family who sought out time with this charismatic, happy, fun-loving couple. So numerous were the guests to their home that they had to set up a calendar, and one had to book a reservation several months in advance. It was always worth the wait. Herb and Doris were married for well over a year before they had a weekend entirely to themselves. We can still remember eating our breakfasts and dinners in shifts at their small kitchen table, while a feast was presented to us, one plate at a time, of some of the best home-cooked food we've ever eaten. Herb taught Doris how to cook, yes, he did. But no matter where she lived, as daughter, as roommate, as wife, as widow, her door was always open to expected -- and sometimes unexpected -- guests.

Of her hobbies, there were few, as so much time was taken up with others. She played a little piano, was a book-loving and avid reader, and loved to bowl and play bridge back in the day when it was popular. She filled countless photo albums with the pictures taken over a 97-year lifetime of precious moments spent with family and friends, sharing holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, sightseeing and travel, lunches, and church activities. She has been a member of Hood River Valley Christian Church throughout her life, the church her parents raised her in. For many years, she volunteered as a beautician at the Hood River Care Center Beauty Shop, receiving recognition in 1995 from HR Valley Christian Church for "exemplary Christian service to the community." As a member of her church, she had, throughout the years at one time or another, sung in the choir, taught Sunday School, been a faithful attendee of the weekly Women's Bible Study, and spent much volunteer activity in the Church's Thrift Shop until too ill to carry on. One friend wrote, "She is truly a Prayer Warrior keeping track of many friends and relatives and remembering to pray for each of them and their families by name." Doris never forgot anything important when it came to the lives of those she loved. Although frugal in her spending, she was generous to others with her time and gift-giving; she never forgot a birthday, graduation, wedding, or Christmas.

In addition to her husband and parents, Doris was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Isabel Ann (Meyers) and Arthur Andrew Kirscht of Richardson, Texas; her brother and sister-in-law Marvin Blair 'Cy' and Bonita Joan (Judd) Meyers of Winlock, Washington; and step-daughter Marcia McGinnis-Kelliher of Portland, Oregon.

She is survived by her nephews and nieces Andrew (Judy) Kirscht of Roselle, Illinois; David (Virginia) Meyers of Vancouver, Washington; Karen (Michael) Murray of Fairview, Texas; Lisa (Meyers) Stalnaker of Winlock, Washington; Jason Meyers of Henderson, Nevada; Alan (Wendy) Kirscht of Sherman Texas; and Samuel (Eby) Meyers of Winlock; by great-nephews and nieces Jeremy and Matthew Kirscht; Christopher and James Kirscht; Rachel (Meyers) Blomgren and Marie Meyers; Kirsten Stalnaker; and John, Cy, and Rebecca Meyers; and many great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving step-daughter Julie (Roger) Shiels of Portland; her step-grandsons Duncan Shiels of Aloha, Oregon; Jason (Jill) Shiels, and Ethan Shiels of Portland; Daniel (Cat) McGinnis of Albany, Oregon, and Ryan McGinnis of Vermont; and step great-grandchildren Elliott McGinnis, and Jason, Olivia and Isabella Shiels.

Doris would often express how grateful and blessed she was to have the parents she did. Then she would look me in the eye and say emphatically, "And you were blessed, too, to have Elmer and Alma Meyers as your grandparents." I would reply, "I know, Doris, I know! I miss them, too." And now we must sadly bid farewell to this last living elder in our family who could link us to those who have gone before and tell us the old stories. To all who knew Doris, this sometimes stubborn, always opinionated lady, who delighted in the company of those around her, who welcomed many into her life with a big smile and open arms, she will be greatly missed, too.

A memorial service will be held at Hood River Valley Christian Church on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 am. A reception at the church will follow. Interment will be at Idlewilde Cemetery in the afternoon. All arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center in Hood River.

The family would like to thank Rebecca Lee and all the caregivers & hospice workers at My Place to Call Home, and the many relatives, friends, and neighbors who assisted in Doris' care through her final years. A special thank you to her cousins, Mimi Williford and Joni Logan, daughters of Iris (Meyers) Lingren, and Linda Meyers, daughter of Herschel Meyers, for being there when needed most. Her family is grateful that she received the best of care and love from all.

Death Notice: Charles W. Keller, 86, Hood River

Charles W. Keller passed away on August 20, 2025, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Charles was born August 19th, 1939, and was 86 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Glenda West, 83, Hood River

The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 22, 2025 — Glenda West, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Carson, WA, on August 15, 2025. Though her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, her family takes comfort in the promise of reunion in Heaven.

Born in Arkansas in 1943 to Harold and Lorene Beth, Glenda later moved with her family to Hood River, where she grew up on the family farm. She went on to share 64 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, David West. Together, they built a family rooted in love and faith in Jesus Christ.

Glenda was the cherished mother of Litha Starks (Patrick), Teresa Klein (William), Jerry West (Christina), and Cathy Chaffin (Rick), who were the joy of her life. She also held a special place in her heart for her siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who knew her as a source of unwavering love, support, and encouragement.

She and David treasured their years in Alaska, creating lasting memories in Ketchikan and Whale Pass, where they lived off-grid and embraced the beauty of fishing, hunting, crabbing, and shrimping. Above all, Glenda’s greatest love was her faith in Jesus Christ. She lived as a true servant of the Lord, constantly giving of herself and radiating His love to her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Glenda was preceded in death by both of her parents.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 1–7 p.m. at Anderson Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Carson Bible Church, 1131 Wind River Rd, Carson, WA, with a potluck gathering to celebrate her life immediately afterward.

Death Notice: Verna Lynne Martin, 74, Hood River

Verna Lynne Martin, age 74, passed away on August 8, 2025, at Portland Providence Medical Center.

A celebration of Verna’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Hood River Church of the Nazarene (2168 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031). A graveside committal will follow at Mt. View Memorial Cemetery in Hood River.

Arrangements are in the care of Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

To share condolences or memories with the family, please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.

Obituary: Calvin Thomas McDermid, 74, Hood River

Calvin Thomas McDermid passed away on July 25, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon after a courageous 4-year battle with Alzheimer’s. He was known and beloved by many as a historian, visionary, mentor and as a caring and supportive family member and friend.

Cal was born to Malcolm and Phyllis (Thornton) McDermid on July 24, 1951, in The Dalles, Oregon and grew up on the family’s wheat and cattle ranch in Sherman County. Cal attended Wasco Grade School and Sherman High School, graduating in 1969. During his senior year, Cal served as yearbook editor, where his creative abilities and organizational skills resulted in a yearbook that was highly acclaimed.

Cal attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland and immediately felt at home, both on campus and in the historically and culturally rich Portland of the 1970’s. During the spring and summer of 1971, he was part of a group of Lewis and Clark students who traveled to the British Isles, making lifelong friends and experiencing many new adventures.

After graduating in 1973 with a degree in elementary education, Cal taught third grade in Madras, Oregon, for 3 years. Cal connected well with his third graders, their parents, and his fellow teachers, making numerous lifelong acquaintances, a trend that occurred often during Cal’s journey through life.

In 1977, Cal embarked on his Philadelphia adventure, attending The Restaurant School, now known as Walnut Hill College. While in Philadelphia, Cal had the opportunity to experience the culture and rich history of the eastern United States while learning about all aspects of the restaurant trade.

In 1980, Cal and his paternal aunt, Margaret Parrott, established The French House Restaurant in a Victorian house in The Dalles. The restaurant helped introduce fine dining to the Mid-Columbia area and still evokes many positive recollections among former patrons and employees forty years after its closing.

In 1987 Cal began a chapter of his life that would allow him to utilize his many skills and to establish relationships that were precious to him throughout the remainder of his life. Working for The Blixseth Company, initially in Portland and later in Rancho Mirage, California and Bozeman Montana, Cal performed the role of household manager and events coordinator. As household manager, he hired and supervised staff, provided oversight for construction and maintenance projects, procured household supplies, and prepared meals.

Of all the aspects of his employment with the Blixseth family, he was most proud of his role in supporting and enriching the lives of the Blixseth children, especially during his early years with the family. In his role as events coordinator, Cal organized and staged social functions ranging from small, private dinner parties to large-scale events attended by well-known political and entertainment figures. Among Cal’s acquaintances were former president Gerald Ford and former first lady Betty Ford, whom Cal knew on a first-name basis. Cal also treasured his friendship with classic film actress Alice Faye, who was a neighbor in Rancho Mirage. Cal was especially known for his pie-baking skills and became legendary for having made 40 pies in one day for a major event held at the family’s Bozeman property.

After Cal’s tenure with the Blixseth family concluded, he lived and worked in the greater Palm Springs area for several more years, reluctant to leave an area where he had made so many close friends. In 2003, Cal returned permanently to the Mid-Columbia area where he continued a professional life blending hospitality and history. After serving as executive director of the Sherman County Historical Society and Museum, Cal became owner/operator of Columbia Gorge Doughnut Company in The Dalles until health issues necessitated a change in his career path. Cal spent the next 2 enjoyable years working at Sigman’s Flowers & Gifts. In 2009, Cal became Events and Membership Coordinator for The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, where, among other duties, he organized Cherry Festival activities each spring.

In the final chapter of his professional career, and one that he approached with great passion, Cal served as director of the Fort Dalles Museum/Anderson Homestead in The Dalles from 2016 until his retirement in 2022. Cal initiated many positive changes at the museum, including assembling and training a group of capable volunteers. He also conducted countless tours that included individuals and small groups along with busloads of tourists affiliated with visiting cruise ships.

Cal is survived by his sister, Meredith Sayre (John); brother, Ron McDermid (Jenine); nephews Malcolm Sayre, Ian Sayre, Dan McDermid; and niece, Daryn McDermid. Cal is also survived by extended family members and many beloved longtime friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, September 4 in The Dalles at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 1805 Minnesota Street, at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow.

Memorial donations in Cal’s memory may be made to the following: Fort Dalles Museum, Sherman County Historical Society, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Cal’s family is grateful to residents and staff of Flagstone Senior Living who provided Cal with a caring home for more than 2 years. The family will be forever thankful for the loving care provided during Cal’s final days while at Pacific Living Center of Hood River, including the highly competent and compassionate assistance provided by the staff at both Pacific Living and Bristol Hospice.

Death Notice: Kristy Lee Millan, 49, Hood River

Kristy Lee Millan, age 49, a resident of Hood River, OR, passed away on July 28, 2025.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Mavis Ann Prinzing, 92, Hood River

Mavis Ann Prinzing, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away in Oregon City on May 23, 2025, due to complications from pneumonia.

 Born on January 6, 1933, in Warsaw, Missouri, Mavis eventually made her way west to Hood River, Oregon, where she built a beautiful life. It was there she met and married Gerald “Jerry” Prinzing, and together they raised four children: Sherriee, Jay, Russell, and Kelly.

 Mavis raised her family in the Assembly of God church, grounding her children in faith and love. Her spiritual life remained central throughout the years, and she was a devoted member of River of Life , attending faithfully until the end of her life.

 She had a creative spirit and a deep love for making beautiful things. Mavis was especially passionate about ceramics and poured her heart into every piece she crafted. Her talents also extended to crocheting and quilting—she had a special love for fabric and could often be found working on something with her hands, bringing comfort and beauty into the lives of those around her.

 Mavis was immensely proud of her growing family, leaving behind seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who will carry on her legacy of love, creativity, and resilience.

 She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerry, her son Russell, and her great-granddaughter Serria.

 A celebration of life will be held on August 6th at 11:00 AM at Anderson Funeral Home, with a burial to follow at 1:00 PM.

 Mavis will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her faith, her warmth, her artistry, and her quiet strength.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Judge Ted Kolbaba, 90, Hood River

Judge Ted Kolbaba, 90, of Hood River, Oregon, and White Salmon, Washington, passed away on July 24, 2025, in Providence Brookside Manor.

Ted Kolbaba was born in Hayden, Colorado, on December 6, 1934, to Fanny (neé Farnsworth) and Henry Richard Kolbaba.

He spent most of his childhood in Kalama, Washington, where he was a three-sport athlete (He was particularly proud of his basketball team) and graduated from Kalama High School in 1952. After a brief, unhappy experience in college (What he really wanted was to fly.), he entered the Air Force, where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1953, he married Marian Irwin. In addition to the usual rigors of training and service, Ted entered a writing contest with a short story, “Be A Man,” which won first place in his squadron, first place in the 15th Air Force, and third place in the Strategic Air Command. After he left the Air Force in 1957, he worked at various jobs before returning to school at the University of Washington in 1958, where he earned a B.A. in Business Administration and a J.D. from the University of Washington Law School in 1964. He was admitted to the Bar of Washington State in 1965 and practiced law briefly in Seattle. Then he and a partner bought an attorney’s practice in White Salmon, Washington, where he practiced law until he was elected Judge for the Superior Court of Klickitat and Skamania Counties in 1972. He continued as a Superior Court Judge for 22 years, a post to which he was re-elected five times. He served on the Southwest Washington Educational Services District Board for several years and was an active member of the Washington Superior Court Judges’ Association, where he served as President in 1991-1992.

Ted was a loving father and community leader. As soon as he was able, he bought horses for his children and began a lifetime of trail riding. With Marian, he led the West End Wranglers, a horse 4-H club, for 15 years. On many weekends, he loaded a herd of horses into a huge stock-truck (It was a sight to see.) and hauled them off to horse shows. He was also a well-known sight in community parades, leading the club on horseback, although his favorite horse-related activity was the annual roundup of cattle in Gifford Pinchot National Forest (aka Kow Kamp).

He coached community basketball and loved to attend his children’s football and basketball games, sometimes traveling two, three, or even four hours after work to make it to district games. An advocate for his basketball-playing girls, he fought to ensure that the girls’ basketball team had equal access to training facilities. He learned to downhill ski in his 50s so that he could spend more time with his son.

In the empty-nest phase of his life, he took up bicycle touring in a serious way, and became a familiar sight on the road between Husum and Trout Lake. He completed many double-century rides, including the Seattle-to-Portland ride. Eventually Marian joined him on a tandem bike, with which they continued to participate in long rides, such as the Cross-Oregon ride.

After retirement, Ted and Marian moved into their motor home and traveled throughout the United States, with excursions into Mexico and Canada, pursuing their lifelong interest in all aspects of American history. Few presidential libraries, historical museums, or battlefields escaped their notice. Eventually they settled in a stationary home (or homes), spending their winters in Bullhead City, Arizona, and their summers in Hood River, Oregon. Ted worked as a truck driver for Paasch Orchards during harvest for many years, “retiring” from that job only in 2014. When they settled in Bullhead City, Arizona, he volunteered at the senior center, driving the senior bus a few times a week. Ted was utterly committed to giving back to his community and his family, and he acted on that commitment every single day. Since 2019 Ted and Marian had resided in Hood River—first, in Providence Down Manor, then in Hawk’s Ridge Assisted Living, and finally in Providence Brookside Manor.

Ted is survived by his wife of 71 years Marian, of Hood River; his daughter Rani Merz (Bob), of Husum; his daughter, Tia Kolbaba (Jim Masschaele), of East Brunswick, New Jersey; his daughter, Tedi Paasch (David), of Hood River; and his son Kyle (Jayme) of Prineville, Oregon. He will also be missed by his grandchildren and their partners: Connor Williams of Husum, Alexa Williams Savard (Turner) of BZ Corners, H. Forrest Williams of Husum, Leandra Paasch of Hood River, Duran Paasch-Catalano (Liz) of Spokane, Kolton Kolbaba of Los Angeles, Derek Kolbaba (Aymie) of Walla Walla, Cameron Masschaele of East Brunswick, Elodie Masschaele of San José, California, Kenna Kolbaba of Portland, and Cole Kolbaba of Prineville. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren. His daughter Candace Kay Kolbaba and his sisters Berniece Wheeler and Dottie Barreith pre-deceased him.

Judge Kolbaba requested a private memorial service for family only. For those who wish to recognize Ted’s life with a donation in his memory, the family recommends a gift to Washington Gorge Action Programs, wagap.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.